Everything you wanted to know about SunRail

April 22, 2014|By Dan Tracy, Orlando Sentinel

The SunRail commuter train starts carrying passengers May 1, marking the first time a fixed-rail mass transit system will operate in modern Central Florida history. People have questions about 31.5-mile system. We have answers.

Q: Where does the train run?

A: There are 12 stops, starting in the north at DeBary in Volusia County, then Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs in Seminole County and Maitland, Winter Park, Florida Hospital, Lynx, Church Street, Orlando Health and Sand Lake Road in Orange County.

Q: How much will it cost?

A: The first two weeks will be free as SunRail officials work out any kinks in the new operation and offer riders a gratis taste of commuting. The base one-way fare is $2, plus $1 for going from one county to the next. So, for example, riding from Winter Park to Church Street would cost $2, but taking the train from Winter Park to DeBary would cost $4. There also are discounts for seniors and people who purchase multi-day passes.

Q: Where can I buy tickets?

A: Right now, just at the stations and the downtown Orlando SunRail information center, 201 N. Magnolia Ave. An online site to buys tickets at SunRail.com is not ready; there are plans to offer passes at retail outlets, but they have not been announced yet.

Q: When will the train run?

A: It will operate Monday through Friday only, not on weekends. The trains will run every 30 minutes, from about 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., depending on the location; then every two hours in the mid-morning and afternoon. The last train will leave between 10 p.m. and midnight, again depending on the location.

Q: Will SunRail expand its hours of operation?

A: That is possible, if the demand is there. SunRail officials, for instance, have talked of scheduling special runs for Orlando Magic games or concerts at the downtown Amway Center, but nothing has been set yet.

Q: What about parking?

A: Seven of the 12 stations have free parking because they are considered origination points. The remaining five stops are considered destinations are do not offer free parking. They are the four stations in Orlando and one in Winter Park.

Q: Does the train go to Orlando International Airport?

A: No, but a bus will be available at the Sand Lake Road stop to take riders to the airport. Planners are looking for ways to directly link SunRail by train tracks to the airport in the future.

Q: Is SunRail supposed to go to Osceola County?

A: Yes, by late 2016, if local leaders are successful in winning federal tax dollars for the expansion. Osceola would have three stations, at the Tupperware Center, in Kissimmee and Poinciana. Another station would be added to Volusia, in DeLand.